Benefit Sums is a set of free calculators for people dealing with UK benefits and care costs: claimants, carers, and families arranging care for someone they love. Each tool answers one question, shows the working behind its answer and links to the official rules.
Who runs the site
Robin Hartley, editor
Robin Hartley is the pen name of the independent editor who runs Benefit Sums. Robin writes the benefit and care calculators and checks each rate against DWP and Social Security Scotland figures when they're published each year.
Robin isn't a welfare rights adviser. For advice on your own claim, contact Citizens Advice or a local welfare rights service.
Who checks the calculators
Every figure links directly to its source on GOV.UK, mygov.scot or another official site, so you can check it yourself, and each April’s rate changes are checked against those sources. We’d like a qualified welfare rights adviser to review the calculators too, and will name them here if one does.
How the site is paid for
The site will be funded by advertising. Advertisers have no say over what we write or how the calculators work. We block adverts for payday loans, paid debt schemes and similar products.
What we are not
We are not part of the DWP, Social Security Scotland, the Department for Communities, HMRC or any council. We cannot see your claim or make decisions about it. For advice on your own situation, contact Citizens Advice or a local welfare rights service.
Contact us or read how we calculate.